BMW I8 Review, Specs & Performance

Overview of the BMW I8

Excellent hybrid sports car

Unique styling delivers driving fun

The BMW i8 looks like a futuristic sports car that delivers environmentally-friendly credentials. With the high-tech electric motor and the turbocharged petrol engine, the i8 delivers excellent levels of performance in an eye-catching supercar creation.

Engines and performance for the BMW i8

A revamp in 2018 saw a roadster being introduced to sit alongside the coupe with the i8 offering a 143 hp electric motor with a small three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 231 hp. The petrol engine is only used when the i8 is accelerating hard and will switch off again when normal driving is resumed. The BMW i8 will travel up to 33 miles with zero emissions. Power is delivered using a six-speed automatic transmission in hybrid mode, with all-electric power being delivered using a two-speed automatic gearbox to the front wheels. When accelerating, drivers have a combined 374 hp to enjoy with an impressive 0 to 62 mph sprint time of just 4.4 seconds, with the top speed limited to 155 mph. Fuel consumption is 150 mpg for the coupe and it is 135 mpg for the i8 roadster.

Equipment and handling

Along with being one of the most stylish vehicles on our roads today, the potential of 150 mpg fuel economy for the BMW i8 coupe makes it an attractive proposition. In everyday use, fuel consumption will be more than 56 mpg and despite the supercar looks, it is an easy car to live with on a daily basis. The BMW i8 uses high-end chassis technology to deliver excellent levels of performance and grip and there's a firmer roll stabilisation set up in the revamped i8 than before to reduce body roll. Adapting the driving system for the owner's comfort is easy with five driving modes available, two of which are set for all-electric driving. There's also a digital instrument binnacle with BMW's professional satnav fitted as standard with other standard kit including cruise control, a driving assistant with surround view, which incorporates city braking function. There are also park distance control sensors at the rear and front, and speed limit information. There's also a very good head-up display with a shifting gears warning to deliver the best levels of performance. The hybrid selection is quiet and efficient and the i8 will travel up to 75 mph on all-electric drive. Essentially, the BMW i8 is the sports car of the future that is available today and with its startling levels of performance and handling, it is an eye-catching an impressive vehicle to own.

More information about the BMW i8

Why not have a look at the i8 on the official BMW UK company website and get the latest news about the car at The BMW Owners' Club.